Faces of Freedom: The Constitution at 225

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In
partnership with the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

June 29, 2012 - June 11, 2013Terminal A-East

Faces
of Freedom: The Constitution at 225 is presented in partnership with the
National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, and based on the Center’s permanent
exhibit The American National Tree that spotlights 100 Americans whose actions
have shaped America’s constitutional history. Faces of Freedom includes 46 of
the 100 portraits on view at the National Constitution Center. Some of the
individuals are famous while others are lesser known. But each has a unique
story of freedom and, collectively, they illustrate the values that define the
Constitution and exemplify our national spirit.

The
year 2012 marks the 225th anniversary of the signing of the United States
Constitution on September 17, 1787 – a historic day at Philadelphia’s
Independence Hall. In May 1787, some 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 original
states gathered behind closed doors where for the next 4 months they debated,
discussed, and eventually crafted the fundamental structure and rules for
America’s new government.

Written
just 4 years after America won independence from England, there was a pervasive
sense of unrest and instability among the citizenry. Congress called delegates
from all 13 states and with the leadership of General George Washington, the
delegates of the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia. George Mason,
delegate from Virginia, described their work ahead: “The Eyes of the United
States are turned upon this Assembly and their Expectations raised to a very
anxious Degree. May God Grant that we may be able to gratify them, by
establishing a wise and just Government.” Realizing the magnitude and urgency
of their task, the delegates penned “the supreme Law of the Land” that
insightfully included a provision for future amendments to ensure its timeless
relevance.

Since
1787, the United States has experienced dramatic changes – culturally,
economically, geographically, globally, and technologically. The Constitution
itself has changed with the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 to the
most recent amendment ratified in 1992. The Constitution has become a more
inclusive document that strives to stay true to America’s founding principles
while protecting the freedoms and rights of all American citizens. And it is
the citizenry, “We the People,” whose voices and actions have defined and
continue to shape the Constitution from 1787 to today.